Photograph by Bill Millios

HARBY: You know I had a hard time endorsing leadership as this edition’s theme because it’s such a buzzword in business these days. But we’ve met some amazing leaders through this issue and wow, are they inspiring!

PATTEE: I think leadership is a timeless concept that always needs to be examined and practiced. What did you learn from the people we met while putting this issue together?

H: First of all, I learned that leadership should be expected from all levels within an organization, not just the top. I also learned that leadership is holistic. The leaders in this issue truly practice what they preach in all aspects of their lives … not just business. What did you take from it?

P: That I am a great leader … What did you think I would say? – LOL But, I also learned that great leaders surround themselves with people who are better at stuff than they are. And that women make GREAT leaders because we think differently than men in many ways ….

H: I like that. I am better than you are <wink>. This issue also digs into the hospital controversy in the upcounty. Adventist and Holy Cross both want to build in that area, but only one will be granted permission. It’s quite the controversy! You like controversies, don’t you?

P: Dude … I couldn’t believe that story when it unfolded! And yeah, I would say I am a fan of controversy but only because I think confrontations lead to resolution.

H: I’m just happy they’re looking at building in Maryland instead of Virginia. Aren’t you tired of losing businesses and jobs and taxes to Virginia?

P: Well, you know, there is a misconception that most businesses want to go to Virginia and not Maryland, but when we spoke with a panel of government officials at our Roundtable, we found that wasn’t completely true and that Maryland is doing quite a bit to change that perception.

H: Go Maryland! I am a Terp, ya know.

P: Yeah … I know. It’s hard to miss that fact since you wear that funny little turtle costume during the games all season.

About the Cover

Leadership wasn’t a simple topic to depict on our cover. The impact of leadership in our lives is huge, so we decided to go with a cover that said the most with the least. We figured the concept of leadership speaks for itself. What do you think? Comment below.

PUBLISHERS Pattee Brown and Harby Tran

PATTEE: Hey Harb… I’ve been thinking – have you ever considered hiring someone based on the color of his or her skin or ethnic background?

HARBY: I can’t say that I have. I like to believe that my hires have been based upon skill sets. And  you?

P: Well, I don’t think I ever thought about it … but the conversations I had with the diversity experts we’ve met this month really made me think about how I “think.”

H: It certainly has caused me to think, too. Before working on this issue, I thought it best to be colorblind. But the diversity experts have taught me that’s not necessarily the best approach.

P: Speaking of being taught something … how about that Fort Detrick article! Talk about an eye-opening article. I had no idea so much went on behind those gates. Did you?

H: Well, I grew up here, but we usually only hear about the scary stuff. It’s nice to know that not everything that happens on the post is scary. Fort Detrick is Frederick’s largest employer and they make a difference in lives all over the world.  I think that’s cool.

P: That’s true, but for me, the firefly story was the coolest part (giggle). Hey, are you excited about the entrepreneur awards or what? I am SO jazzed the nominees are so diverse!

H: The Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County selected some of the most amazing local businesspeople. I don’t know about you, but I’m on the edge of my seat to see who wins.

P: Okay, edge of my seat is a bit of an overstatement, drama king, but I am looking forward to seeing who wins. It’s gonna be hard to pick …

H: Another interesting award mentioned in this issue is the Family Friendly Awards. As the father of two and a business owner, I admire and respect these companies for taking care of their greatest asset— their people.

P: Speaking of taking care of your greatest asset … I’m STARVING! When are we having lunch??

H: Starving? Yeah, and I’m the Drama King

Photograph by Bill Millios

About the Cover

Once again, we were torn between a conventional cover and a conceptual cover. Once again, conceptual won . This cover represents the concept of diversity and inclusion to us… does it work for you or do you prefer the more conventional look of the many faces of diversity? Tell us what you think. Go to 270inc.com.

HARBY: You know what’s so cool?

PATTEE:The fact that we can have this conversation without two tin cans and a string?

H: Uh yeah, but that’s not what I was thinking. It’s really cool that the third issue of 270inc is even better than the first two issues!

P: You think so? That’s hard to imagine.

H: I know, but this one really is even better. We’re discussing the trend of social media networking as it pertains to business, and we had a panel of some of the most proficient social media professionals answer questions from a room full of CxOs. Plus, we expose the controversy around Science City, potentially one of the biggest economic boons that our region has ever seen.

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PATTEE: Hey Harb, guess what I just found out?

HARBY:What?

P: Come on. Guess.

H:You found out I am the smartest, most handsome man in the known universe?

P: Uh, no, but I’m sure that’s common knowledge on your planet. What I’ve just learned is how to get money from the government through SBIR grants.

H: Really? How?

P: When you read our Table Talk feature in this issue, you’ll hear from experts on economic development and how private sector businesses can benefit from public research. You’ll also learn how to work with organizations like FITCI to apply for SBIR grant money.

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Pattee Brown Hey Harb, I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to write in the letter from the publishers. What do you usually write in a publishers’ letter?

Harby Tran Well, Pattee, the publishers’ letter usually introduces the magazine, the mission and the content. Most importantly, it tells the readers what they can expect as they turn the pages.

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